I will not be silent about something which it is not right to leave in silence lest I should inhumanly keep to myself what ought to be made known. - John Climacus

Baptism is the washing away of evils that were in us before, but sins committed after baptism are washed away by tears.

In hastening to solitude and exile, do not wait for world-loving souls, because the thief comes unexpectedly. In trying to save the careless and indolent along with themselves, many perish with them, because in course of time the fire goes out. As soon as the flame is burning within you, run; for you do not know when it will go out and leave you in darkness. Not all of us are required to save others. The divine Apostle says, ... "Thou therefore who teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?" This is like saying: I do not know whether we must teach others; but teach yourselves at all costs.

A monastery is an earthly heaven.